The step up to the elite

05 / 09 / 2019

Xavi Quintillà has consolidated his place in Villarreal's first team this season

A more than deserved prize. Xavi Quntillà has consolidated his place in the first team this season after moving up from Villarreal B. A clear example of the club's clear backing of the academy. Currently, there are a total of 11 first-team players who have come through the Yellows Academy.

Quintillà is one of them. The Catalan left-back has played 180 minutes in the first three LaLiga games (two complete matches), and has provided an assist. "I'm happy to be able to play and help the team. Both coaches and players have shown me their trust and that makes me feel good. Last season, I could already feel the trust and I'm staying humble to continue like this. I was working with the idea of getting to the first team, which I've now achieved. Now I'm trying to play as much as possible and help the team with their aims," he said.

Last season, Quintillà played nine matches with the first team in three different competitions (808 minutes). For the Yellows No.16, the team is looking good: "We know we're working well, that we're competing well and we're convinced that if we continue like this the results will come. The truth is that we haven't got the results we wanted, but we're on the right path."

Quintillà underlines that the team needs to continue improving. "The team is working hard and competing well, but we know we need to improve things. We're self-critical and we're working on improving everything that has stopped us from winning these matches. We've gone ahead in all three matches, and we need to improve. If we continue like we are, results will come and the fans will have a lot of fun."

After the draw against Real Madrid, Villarreal are now turning their attentions to the upcoming league game against Leganés at Butarque: "The draw with Madrid left a bitter taste in the mouth, but I think it was a good game and that's the path to follow. The international break is here, but we're working hard to prepare the game against Leganés as well as possible. We know it will be a tough game, against a side that are strong at home, but we hope to take the three points," Quintillà concluded.